Is it too much to ask for 5 minutes?

Let's just say I wouldn't go out of my way to attend a social gathering of politicians and activists making speeches.

Trust me, I'd rather be forced to watch a "Say Yes to the Dress" marathon than sit through a couple of hours of political types glad-handing.

That being the case, I'm not exactly shocked that I didn't get a personal invitation to the annual Jefferson-Jackson Democratic fundraising gala next month in Hollywood at the hotsy-totsy Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa.

This apparently is an important affair of party bigwigs from around the state. It is a chance to get known by the right people and donors. It is the Super Bowl of political schmoozing.

So no, I'm not surprised I wasn't invited. But Nan Rich should have been.

A former 12-year veteran of the Florida Senate and House, she is the only declared Democrat running for governor next year (Charlie Crist hasn't declared, but he'll figure it out eventually.) You would think party honchos would be glad to let Rich speak for five minutes, which is all she wanted.

Think again.

The folks running the J-J dinner say one of the reasons somebody like Rich won't have a speaking slot is they are trying to "streamline" the event. Translation: Nan Rich isn't a big name, is a long shot to win the Democratic primary, and the folks in North Florida haven't heard of her.

Well, there are some yokels in North Florida who haven't heard of a lot of things, if you get my drift.

Granted, Rich doesn't have a reputation as a riveting speaker, but Rick Scott isn't exactly John Kennedy when it comes to oratory skills, and he lives in the Governor's Mansion. Of course, the fact he has more money than China helped a tad. And Alex Sink, who almost beat Scott, didn't leave people swooning with her speeches.

I don't know if Nan Rich would be a good governor. I do know she was a fine legislator who fought hard for good causes — children's issues, gay adoption, women's issues, the environment. She was the first female Democratic leader of the Florida Senate.

And they couldn't allot five minutes for someone with her credentials?

I told Rich I would time her, and let her have a five-minute speech in my column. She politely declined — she hadn't prepared a speech, and still hopes the J-J folks change their mind.

But she was happy to talk about issues she feels are important.

"The two major issues that people are talking about are public education and health care," said Rich, who estimates she's been to more than 200 events in 25 counties during her year-long campaign for governor.

"The broad outline (of her campaign) is the total failure of the Scott administration in a number of areas. The No. 1 area is a lack of leadership.

"With Medicaid expansion, after five years of being opposed to (Obamacare), Scott decided he's in favor of Medicaid expansion. Deciding you are in favor, and doing something about it, are two different things. He's done nothing about it.

"With education, there are tremendous advocacy efforts by parent groups across the state. They have made it clear they don't want for-profit management companies coming in to take over public schools.

"I believe the message that I'm presenting resonates with a majority of Floridians, not just Democrats."

Good so far, and not close to five minutes, Nan.

"Life and family issues make you a better legislator," she said. "I raised a family, took care of parents. . . have the life experiences. I bring that perspective.

"What I have found (in campaigning) is that Democratic audiences want a true Democrat (translation: are you listening, Charlie Crist?) someone with core Democratic principles. I believe in opportunity and equality and fairness, ensuring a good qualify of life for the middle class.

"It's going to be hard. I have a lot of work to do. I thought it was appropriate to speak at the J-J dinner. Any time you get a Democratic forum from all over the state, that's an opportunity. . .

"I keep hoping the decision (to not have a speaking slot) will be reversed."

Personally, I think Jefferson and Jackson themselves would be all in favor of letting Nan Rich speak. Good enough for me.